Plant Sale Puts Spotlight on Horticulture Technology Program

Featuring an array of vegetables, flowers, trees, and ferns, Central Piedmont's Horticulture Technology students held their semi-annual plant sale on Cato Campus April 19-20. 

The plant sales draw not just employees and students from the Central Piedmont community, but plenty from the public as well. 

Jacquelyn Sumrell, a first-year student who is making a career change and eventually would like to be a horticulture instructor, said the plant sale provided an opportunity to put her skills learned in the program to practical use. 

"We do everything in this process, from cleaning up the plants, preparing them for sale, tagging them correctly, and helping spread the word by marketing the sale," explained Sumrell. "It's helped me gain a better understanding of the process of growing a plant from start to finish. I also have a better appreciation of what the customers are looking for and how to help them." 

The knowledge of the students was evident in their work with the customers. One prospective buyer asked a student for the best way to deter deer, rabbits, and squirrels from his garden, and was directed to the peppers to keep the wildlife at bay. 

Kelly Black, who is in her ninth year as an instructor in the program, praised the way the students have worked this year to ensure the success of the spring sale. 

"They take a lot of pride in the program," Black said. "To take something they grow, then sell it to a customer, is special for them. They love the hands-on work that is involved in it." 

Given the length of time it takes for some of the plants to propagate, students in this cohort are also finishing what previous classes started last year. That cycle will continue and is a point of pride for students in the program, some of whom return to the plant sale to see their work. 

As part of their coursework, the students are required to take a business class to help prepare them for that part of the work, and Black said they research the costs and set their own prices for selling the various plants.  

"We want them to have the experience of running their own business," she said.

Posted in Foundation News.

Central Piedmont to offer degree program in artificial intelligence

Central Piedmont Community College will open a new associate-degree program in artificial technology in August with the start of the 2024 fall semester. Central Piedmont is only the second North Carolina community college to offer an artificial intelligence degree program.

Central Piedmont's artificial intelligence (AI) program will equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the rapidly growing field of AI. The curriculum will cover machine learning, chatbots and generative AI, chatbot programming, artificial intelligence programming, system analysis and design, and AI applications in various industries. Given the ever-changing technology landscape of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, the degree will provide a platform for students to embark on fulfilling careers in AI.

Central Piedmont will welcome as many as 50 students to the program this fall. The two-year program will be able to accommodate additional classes of up to 50 students starting each term. Students who complete the program will be qualified for entry-level positions in AI, including AI engineer, AI project manager, AI researcher, AI architect, and machine learning specialist in numerous industries, such as banking and finance, engineering, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and many others.

For more information about Central Piedmont's new AI degree program, email Joe Little, associate dean of technology, or call 704-330-6513

Posted in Foundation News.

NursingProcess.org Ranks Central Piedmont’s ADN Program Best in North Carolina

The online resource NursingProcess.org has ranked Central Piedmont's Associate Degree in Nursing program as the top ADN program in North Carolina.

According to its website, NursingProcess.org is a comprehensive resource to navigate information about nursing education and careers. Nursingprocess.org is staffed by an independent group of educators and nursing professionals committed to providing expert-driven information. The site has no affiliations with any college, university, or organization.

The ranking methodology includes enrollment rates, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratio, first-time pass rates on the NCLEX-RN certification exam, and affordability.

Earlier this year, Central Piedmont announced it would expand its nursing programs to accommodate more students and help meet the need for more registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.

Central Piedmont will expand its ADN Program from 200 to 300 students beginning May 2024. In turn, Central Piedmont will more than double the size of its Practical Nursing Program from 24 to 64 students.

By expanding its nursing programs, Central Piedmont will offer two new options for students an accelerated ADN track and an LPN-to-associate-degree in nursing bridge program.

The accelerated associate degree in nursing program will give motivated students who can attend school full-time (up to 37 hours per week) the opportunity to complete their studies in 14-15 months. In addition to the rigorous class schedule, students will need to study outside of class 10-15 hours per week. The program will open with its first class in May 2024.

The LPN-to-ADN bridge option is designed to give licensed practical nurses a path to earn their associate degree in nursing and become registered nurses. The program will span three semesters and take one year to complete. The program, which will include on-campus and online classes, will open May 2025.

Central Piedmont's ADN program is the oldest community college program in North Carolina.

For more information, see the Central Piedmont website, or call 704-330-2722, ext. 3479.

Posted in Foundation News.

Central Piedmont Students Launch Meal Service Business

With menus inspired by their heritage, Central Piedmont's Baking and Pastry Arts students have enjoyed a successful launch to Tasty Traditions Bakehouse & Takeout, a capstone project that doubles as a business venture for the students.

Entering its second week, the students on Harris Campus sold out all their meals during their opening week of business and expect similar results moving forward.

Offerings have ranged from Moroccan Chicken Salad to Pollo Guisdao to Pork Musubi and have represented a departure from typical selections one might expect from students in the program.

"We wanted to do something ambitious for this class," student Natalie Fischer said. "We knew we could just do a standard bakery pre-order, but we wanted to offer meals. It would challenge us more as students, but also be a benefit to staff and students here who usually have to Doordash their lunch."

There are nine students in the capstone class, and they rotate responsibilities during the course to further help prepare them for all the ins-and-outs of the food industry.

"I'm in the front of the house now, making sure orders are packed and fulfilled," student Ashlen Ramos explained. "We have a marketing team that oversees social media, distributing flyers, and using word of mouth to promote the business. Then you have the back of the house, which is really the backbone of this, to make sure orders are prepared and ready every day."

Instructor Jennifer Cubillos said the knowledge gained during previous classes, including a course on cost control and one in marketing, helps prepare the students to take the reins and run the business.

"A lot of our students want to be entrepreneurs and own their own business, and this is a testing ground for that," Cubillos said. "We want our students to understand the practice of creativity and the practice of leadership. The students are managing themselves with real money and real product. They must collaborate with each other kitchens are team sports."

The success of Tasty Traditions and the overall program has gained some attention off-campus as well. People not affiliated with the college have purchased meals, and Queens University recently placed an order for sugar cookies.

There are two weeks left to order meals through Tasty Traditions, and they also offer graduation cake sales as well. You can also follow Tasty Traditions on Facebook and Instagram.

Posted in Foundation News.

‘UnSpun’ to premier on WTVI PBS Charlotte April 12

The new "UnSpun" political show will debut Friday, April 12, at 8 p.m., on WTVI PBS Charlotte. Former Charlotte Mayor and NC Governor Pat McCroy will host the show and seek to expose the spin of partisan politics through interviews, analysis, humor and viewer feedback.

McCroy brings PBS Charlotte a wealth of state and local political knowledge in the areas of transportation, public safety, health and human services and economic development. As a former member of the U-S Homeland Security Council after 9-11, a former US Senate candidate and former National co-chair of No Labels, McCroy also offers an understanding of national policy issues, campaigns and politics.

McCroy has been a sought-after political analyst on each of the major national political shows including working for NBC as a recurring guest on "Meet the Press." In Charlotte, he has hosted a top-rated morning radio show for three years.

WTVI PBS Charlotte has served citizens in the Carolinas for more than 50 years. PBS Charlotte, licensed by Central Piedmont Community College, offers high quality, noncommercial, educational programs. PBS broadcasts include award-winning children's programming, ground-breaking documentaries and original performances.

The station reaches more 1.1 million households across 13 counties in the Charlotte-metro area. PBS Charlotte actively supports local education, highlights local cultural events and promotes citizenship across all electronic media platforms to serve the public interest and further the mission of its parent institution.

Posted in Foundation News.

Central Piedmont and Lees-McRae College establish ‘Guaranteed Admission Program’

Agreement will help Central Piedmont students take direct transfer path to Lees-McRae

Leaders of Central Piedmont Community College and Lees-McRae College signed an agreement today to establish a Guaranteed Admission Program, providing Central Piedmont students a new transfer pathway to a bachelor's degree.

The Lees-McRae Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) will automatically admit Central Piedmont students who have earned an Associate of Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science or Associate in Fine Arts degree and meet specific grade-point-average requirements. Students in the program also will be eligible to receive merit scholarships up to 50 percent of Lees-McRae's annual tuition.

Dr. Lee King, Lees-McRae College president; Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont; and other leaders from both institutions signed the agreement during a morning ceremony at Central Piedmont's Central Campus, in Charlotte. The Lees-McRae Guaranteed Admission Program with Central Piedmont will open to students in August with the start of the fall 2024 semester.

"This agreement provides an incredible opportunity for more students to receive a Lees-McRae education," King said. "We're grateful for this partnership with Central Piedmont and for the great work they do as educators."

Leaders from both institutions agree that transfer pathway agreements like the Guaranteed Admission Program are important in North Carolina's efforts to increase the number of residents with a high-quality credential or post-secondary degree. The myFutureNC initiative has set a goal of two-million more North Carolinians with a credential or degree by 2030 to support the state's economy.

"The Lees-McRae Guaranteed Admission Program is a wonderful opportunity for Central Piedmont students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree and beyond," Deitemeyer said. "The Lees-McRae campus in Banner Elk and the college's superb faculty and staff offer a unique environment for Central Piedmont graduates to grow and flourish. I am eager to see and hear about the great experiences and success our students will have at Lees-McRae."

Posted in Foundation News.

Central Piedmont Launches New Outreach Efforts to Attract and Support More Adult Learners with ‘Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future.’ Campaign

Central Piedmont Community College is rolling out a new initiative to bring more adults who may have not completed a degree or job training program back to the classroom through a new Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. campaign

Over the next few months, Central Piedmont will proactively share job training programs and college information with adults across Mecklenburg County to prepare them for the growing number of job openings. Interested adults are encouraged to visit Central Piedmont's Better Skills Better Jobs website to learn more and to sign up to connect directly with the college. 

From public safety to nursing and health care, to business administration and welding, to information technology and advanced manufacturing, and many more, completing courses at Central Piedmont offers a direct pipeline to many of the region's top employers.

"We are working hard every day to ensure Central Piedmont meets the needs of our community," said Dr. Kandi W. Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College. "This new 'Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future.' campaign will help us advance our mission by reaching out to adult learners. We want more adults to acquire the skills, credentials, and degrees they need for a better job, a bigger paycheck, and a brighter future for themselves and their families."

Despite North Carolina's booming economy, less than half of North Carolinians between the ages of 25-44 have the education and training needed to fill current and future job openings. Meanwhile, employers across Mecklenburg County are desperately seeking skilled talent to fill vacancies. 

The Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. campaign includes direct outreach to adults who previously earned some college credits, but left without a degree or certification; special community events and earned media promotions; paid digital marketing and advertising, and customized materials designed to quickly help more adult learners reconnect and re-enroll.  

The vast majority of higher-wage jobs today require more than a high school diploma, which is why Central Piedmont, the John M. Belk EndowmentmyFutureNC, and several other state and local partners are working together to support this special outreach campaign to attract more adult learners back to college.

"Many in our state are looking for new challenges or a fresh start, and our community colleges are a great place to begin their journey," said M.C. Belk Pilon, President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment. "Our goal is for all North Carolinians to have access to an education that will lead to skills, credentials, and degrees, and ultimately the opportunities to achieve their dreams and to help meet the workforce needs across our state."

Visit the Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. website for more information.

Posted in Foundation News.

Central Piedmont President's Report - March 2024

The March President's Report highlights our recent accomplishments and impactful initiatives made possible through your unwavering support.

Play the video to find out what else is included in the March President's Report.

Explore the full report.

Posted in Foundation News.